Aerial image of University of Rochester with city of Rochester in background
Our Community

The 5-8-5: Living in Rochester

Known by many names—the Flower City (or the Flour City), the ROC, the 5-8-5— Rochester is located in western New York. We’re closer to Toronto than to New York City, although both are within driving distance. Take a close look at the city we call home.

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One-hour flight from NYC

Located in western New York between Buffalo and Syracuse, Rochester is a three-hour drive from Toronto and just over an hour flight from New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston.

University of Rochester - Hopeman Engineering Building

Four seasons

Yes, it snows here—though probably not as much as you think. From sailing to rowing, skiing to hiking, there’s something new or different for outdoor enthusiasts to try all year round.

Meliora Signage at MAGO

Festivals and attractions

Jazz, lilacs, film, food trucks, the Erie Canal—you name it, we probably have a festival or event celebrating it sometime in the spring through fall. Sports fans, meanwhile, can attend the home games of our professional baseball team (the Red Wings) or hockey team (the Amerks).

View of Rochester, NY at night

Out and about

Our walkable downtown—complete with a scenic river walkway and majestic waterfall—is surrounded by the natural wonders of the Genesee River, the Finger Lakes, and the Great Lakes, along with parks, trails, beaches, gorges, and wine country.

Discover our campus

Interested in learning about the River Campus or Eastman School of Music?

Let us help you.

Explore Rochester
Person walks on Rush Rhees Library Quad

Our campuses

The University has multiple campuses in and near downtown Rochester.

View of University of Rochester from top of Rush Rhees Library

River Campus

The 154-acre River Campus, where many of our undergraduate students live and study, is two miles from downtown and nestled along the shore of the Genesee River. The campus is defined by the original River Campus buildings—including the landmark Rush Rhees Library—that opened to students in 1930. The River Campus is also home to the Simon Business School and the Warner School of Education.

Outside of neuroscience research center at University of Rochester

Medical Center

A nucleus of medical research, education, and patient care, the Medical Center includes the School of Medicine and Dentistry, the School of Nursing, Strong Memorial Hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Wilmot Cancer Institute, and Eastman Institute for Oral Health.

Exterior shot of University of Rochester Eastman School of Music at night

Eastman School of Music

Eastman’s downtown campus is in the heart of Rochester’s cultural district. In addition to the school’s large ensembles, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra is based in Eastman Theatre, and the Rochester International Jazz Festival and Fringe Festival fill venues in and around campus each year.

Memorial Art Gallery exterior showing Cutler Union Tower

Memorial Art Gallery

Attracting nearly 300,000 visitors each year, the Memorial Art Gallery is one of the few university-affiliated art museums in the country that also serve as city art museums.

Laser researcher standing inside Omega laser housing at University of Rochester LLE

Laboratory for Laser Energetics

Our South Campus, located near the River Campus, is anchored by the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. The Laser Lab is the largest university-based US Department of Energy program in the nation.

Community partners

Every day, the University makes significant economic, educational, social, and cultural contributions to the Rochester region and to New York State. We are committed to creating positive change for our community.

Download our impact report
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Learn more about studying and working in Rochester